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Cantaloupe, Hale's Best Jumbo

— · Texas-Grown

Cantaloupe, Hale’s Best Jumbo

$4.00

Hale’s Best Jumbo Cantaloupe is a time-tested heirloom variety producing large, heavily netted fruits with exceptionally sweet, salmon-orange flesh and a classic musky fragrance. Maturing in approximately 85-90 days, it is well-adapted to Central Texas’s long, hot summers and has been a home garden favorite for over 100 years.

At Flying Rabbit Farm, our Hale’s Best Jumbo transplants are grown for strong root development and reliable fruit production suited to Austin’s summer conditions.

Care Instructions
Watering
Consistent moisture essential during vine development and fruit sizing Reduce watering 1-2 weeks before harvest to intensify sweetness Drip or soaker hose irrigation preferred
Fertilizing
High nitrogen at establishment; switch to lower nitrogen, higher potassium at flowering Side-dress with compost or balanced organic fertilizer every 3-4 weeks
Pruning & Maintenance
Limit to 2-3 fruits per vine for best size and flavor Train vines to keep bed orderly Place developing fruits on straw or cardboard to prevent rot
Common Issues
Powdery mildew Cucumber beetles Squash vine borers Fusarium wilt Blossom end rot from inconsistent watering
Plant as soon as soil temperatures allow (mid-March) for maximum season length Use drip irrigation to reduce powdery mildew risk Monitor for cucumber beetles, which transmit bacterial wilt Harvest when the stem slips easily from the vine with gentle pressure
Seasonal Notes
Spring
Primary planting window; establish before intense summer heat Focus watering on vine development in first month
Summer
Fruit development stage; requires consistent irrigation Harvest approximately 85-90 days from transplant
Fall
Not recommended for fall planting in Austin; insufficient season
Best Time to Plant in Austin
Mid-March through late April after last frost Ideal soil temperatures: 70-85 F
Sun Requirements
Full sun Minimum 8 hours daily
Spacing
3-4 feet apart in rows 5-6 feet apart Vines spread considerably at maturity
Soil
Well-draining, fertile, sandy loam preferred Amend clay soils with compost and coarse sand pH 6.0-6.8
Watering After Planting
Water deeply immediately after transplanting Maintain consistent moisture through vine development and fruit set
Nasturtiums Marigolds Corn Sunflowers Radish Borage Dill Oregano
Cantaloupe flesh is generally considered non-toxic to: Dogs Cats However: High sugar content; feed only in small quantities. Rinds may cause gastrointestinal upset.

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